Organizers of the Monmouth County Fair are seeking amateur artists, crafters, cooks and gardeners to enter the fair’s competitions and exhibitions. There is no residency requirement, except in the honey and canning categories.

The fair will be held July 27-31 at the East Freehold Park Showgrounds, Kozloski Road, Freehold Township.

Each person entering items in the competitions will receive two free passes to the fair and have a chance to win prize ribbons.

The theme of this year’s photography competition is “Beach Scenery,” focusing on scenery along the beaches of Monmouth County. Photos must be brought to the showgrounds July 24 or 25.

There will be a senior center competition on July 27. Brochures will be sent to all senior centers in Monmouth County, or call Janeen Weiland, therapeutic recreation, at (732) 460-1167.

Craft Day is July 28, Gardeners Day is July 29 and Bakers Day is July 30.

There will also be competitions in canning, honey, needlework, painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics and pottery, dolls, holiday crafts, miscellaneous crafts, woodworking, and other categories of art and crafts, as well as demonstrations by gardeners, beekeepers, crafters, jewelry makers, quilters, photographers and others.

For a list of rules and a registration schedule, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com or call (732) 842-4000.

Motorcycle show July 19

at Byron Johnson Park

“Cruise for Prevention” a motorcycle show featuring trophies, music, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and food, will be held July 19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Byron Johnson Park, Ellisdale Road, Upper Freehold Township. The event is sponsored by the Allentown/Upper Freehold Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and will benefit drug prevention programs in the school and community. All types of motorcycles are welcome to enter, and admission will be free to spectators. For more information, call (609) 259-6019.

‘Festival of Horses’ to be

held at Horse Park of NJ

The annual “Festival of Horses” will be held Aug. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Horse Park of New Jersey, Upper Freehold Township. Admission and parking are free, and the public is welcome to attend. The event is sponsored by the N.J. Department of Agriculture, the N.J. Equine Advisory Board, and the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey. A petting farm, face painting, pony rides, mare and foal shows, and refreshments will be featured. Information on Adopt-A-Horse programs will be available for standardbred horses (Standardbred Retirement Association) and thoroughbred horses (Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation). A mounted drill team competition will also be held. A group of riders working in unison to create a “dance” on horseback with emphasis on spacing, timing and precision of moves of the entire team will be judged on a point system. The Horse Park of New Jersey is located on Route 524. For more information, call (609) 984-4389.

Freedom Fest set for

July 18-23 in Allentown

The Allentown Presbyterian Church is organizing the third annual Freedom Fest for July 18-23 at the Upper Freehold Regional School complex, Route 539, Allentown. The event will feature Amusements of America and Blue Sky Amusements, games, food, craft vendors, and entertainment all week long.

This year’s entertainment lineup includes The Nerds on Monday, The Fabulous Greaseband on Tuesday, The B-Street Band (a Bruce Springsteen tribute band) on Wednesday, the Community Christian Choir on Thursday, child entertainer Mr. Ray on Friday with the band Three Sides Now playing later Friday evening, and the Billy Hill Band and a fireworks display on Saturday.

Host families needed

for students from Spain

Twenty-two students from Spain will be visiting the local area for the month of August.

Global Friendships is looking for families to host each of the students, who range in age from 15 to 18. The students will be attending classes three days a week and will have planned activities (host families are welcome to join in).

Students need to have their own bed, three meals a day, and transportation to and from activities (car pooling is invited.).

For more information, call Ann Suraci at (732) 792-8020 or (800) 762-2918.

Singles group sponsoring

bus trip to see ‘Ruth’

Victory Christian Singles will sponsor a trip to Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pa., July 30 to see “Ruth.” The bus will depart from Georgia Road in Freehold Township. Tickets are $48 per person. For more information, call Bob or Toni LaForge, (732) 409-3225.

Bands invited to compete

at summer event

Keyport’s third annual Battle of the Bands will be held July 30 at the Mini Park, Main and West Front streets. All New Jersey bands are welcome to apply.

Winning bands will be judged on musicianship, showmanship, and fan interaction. Prizes include recording studio time, and featured appearances at future festivals, street fairs and special events in Keyport and other locations. To eligible to compete, bands must send tapes or CDs, press kits, photographs, résumés or bios, and at least two references, to Allen Consulting Inc., Attn: Battle of the Bands, 89 Middletown Road, Holmdel 07733.

Golf outing to raise funds for Relay for Life

A “scramble tournament” golf event to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life will be held July 15 at Cream Ridge Golf Course, Upper Freehold Township.

The cost is $125 per person and includes 18 holes of golf, gold cart, lunch before tee-off, steak dinner following the round of golf, and prizes. Sponsorships are $100 per hold.

The event is open to the public, and reservations are required. All proceeds will be donated to the New Egypt Relay for Life. For more information, call William Miscoski at (609) 259-2849, ext. 14.

Early Americana concert, cemetery tour Aug. 6

Charlie Zahm, an interpreter of American folk songs, will appear at the Olde Yellow Meeting House Aug. 6 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free to this Early Americana concert.

The Olde Yellow Meeting House is located at 72 Yellow Meeting House Road, Upper Freehold Township, off Route 526.

For more information, call Bill Wentzien at (609) 259-2534 or e-mail billwentzien@netzero.net.